Relationship between body mass index and dental caries in 13–15-year-old school children of government and private schools in Bengaluru City

Abstract

Aims: The aim of the study was to assess the correlation between body mass index (BMI) and dental caries of 13–15-years-old school children in urban Bangalore and to compare the correlation between BMI and dental decay amongst government and private school children of age group 13–15 years in Bangalore city. Subjects and Methods: A total of 660 students 13–15 years old were inducted in the study. According to these, 330 students from government schools and 330 students from private schools were examined. A specially designed structured questionnaire was used for compilation of data in the survey. BMI for age percentiles was deducted by weight in kilogram divided by height in meter square. Results: Overall a positive correlation was found between Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth DMFT and BMI. In government schools, Overweight children had more mean DMFT (1.43) than other BMI categories while in Private schools, At risk of overweight children had more mean DMFT (1.4) than other category of BMI children. Conclusions: A positive correlation was found between DMFT and BMI. In government schools, Overweight children had more mean DMFT than other BMI category while in Private schools, At risk of overweight children had more mean DMFT than other category children.

Keywords

• body mass index
• dental caries
• school children